Sturgeon blasts leaked plans ‘morally bankrupt’

Forcing restrictions could devastate Scottish economy, says First Minister

Leaked Government proposals to force a post-Brexit cut in the number of lowskilled migrants to Britain have been branded “morally bankrupt” by Scotland’s First Minister.

Nicola Sturgeon warned the “dreadful” policies could see families broken up, while restrictions on people coming into the UK would be economically “devastating” for Scotland, which has relied on immigrants to boost its population.

She hit out after an 82-page government paper, obtained by The Guardian, suggested new immigration arrangements would be introduced immediately after a Brexit transition period lasting at least two years.

Departure from the EU will mean “the end of rights-based, unconditional free movement”, with the Government adopting powers to take “a more selective approach” over which migrants will be allowed to work and settle in the UK.

It is understood the document – marked “Official Sensitive” – is a draft version of a forthcoming White Paper circulated among senior officials and politicians but not agreed by ministers.

“The Government will take a view on the economic and social needs of the country as regards EU migration, rather than leaving this decision entirely to those wishing to come here and employers,” it states.

This could involve requiring EU nationals to seek permission before taking up a job, making employers recruit locally first or restrict access to lower-skilled occupations which are not experiencing staffing shortages, the document suggests.

Human rights campaigners and industry leaders from organisations including the National Farmers’ Union, the Food and Drink Federation and the British Hospitality Association have already acted with alarm.

Ms Sturgeon said: “The proposals in this paper are morally bankrupt. They seem to ignore the fact we’re dealing with human beings. These proposals would lead to family break-up in some cases.

“But secondly they would be devastating for the Scottish economy. We need to be able to attract the best and the brightest from around the world to Scotland.

“We’ve got a demographic challenge we must meet if we are to continue to grow our economy.”

Pictures: PA and Andrew Cowan.

Nicola Sturgeon, above, says new plans for immigration could wreck Scotland’s economy.